HIS 4003 Race, Politics and Identity in 20th Century US

STAFFING:

REQUISITES:

SYNOPSIS:

While 'race' is no longer seen as an appropriate way to categorise individuals, the contemporary United States continues to be preoccupied with issues to do with racial identity. The notion of identity is an important one, and was defining of many of the struggles or marginalised groups in American society through the twentieth century. In order to understand contemporary America, it is necessary to understand the historical development of these ideas and the struggles undertaken by these groups for equality and recognition. This seminar explores the cultural, intellectual and political responses of several groups in American society - African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Native Americans and Mexican-Americans - to racism and discrimination, and their struggle to find a place in this society.

OBJECTIVES:

On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of, and familiarity with, the main issues concering race and the struggle for equality in the US during the twentieth century, including debates about identity politics and its consequences;
2. assess the influence of race and identify politics on the development of the modern United Staes;
3. critically analyse and discuss debates over the meaning of being an 'American';
4. demonstrate skills in documentary analysis; and
5. demonstrate competency in analysis and writing skills in the History discipline.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

Study Book. Book of Readings

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

The short paper will be based on seminar discussion topics and will be due two weeks after the seminar takes place.

2.

Studens will be advised of the official exam date after the timetable has been finalised.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the student's responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assessment item.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval, then a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the assignment will apply for each of the first FIVE working days late, after which a zero mark will be given.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of a passing grade, students must demonstrate, via the summative assessment items, that they have achieved the required minimum standards in relation to the objectives of the course by obtaining at least 50% of the total weighted marks for all summative assessment.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks (or grades) obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   The exam for this course is a CLOSED EXAMINATION, and candidates are allowed to bring only writing and drawing instruments into the examination.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any deferred or supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the next examination period.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6 Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES